Explore the History of Shepherd's Bush With West London Walks

West London Walks - just £5!

Until the late 19th century Shepherd's Bush was just a collection of fields, but that doesn't mean we lack history.  For those who want to explore the rich history of our neighbourhood and the neighbourhoods around us, Caroline MacMillan of West London Walks offers a series of personally led walking tours.  Her walks are "informal, full of interesting and unusual facts and, most of all, are to be enjoyed".  Best of all, Caroline's walks start at a very reasonable £5.

Caroline MacMillan of West London Walks

What is West London Walks?
West London Walks is a way to see the history and architecture of our city on foot, for a very reasonable price, led by an expert local guide.

How long do the walks last?
About 2 hours, roughly.

What walks are coming up soon?
The schedule for the end of July and beginning of August is as follows

• HAMMERSMITH RIVERSIDE, Saturday 25 July 2015, 11 am 

In this walk you will learn about "rowing clubs and artists studios, fine houses and fishermen's cottages, schools and industry", all of which have "jostled for space along this beautiful stretch of the river Thames". You will even learn where "Queen Catherine of Braganza entertained her guests and William Morris wove his Hammersmith Carpets".

• ASKEW ROAD, Sunday 26 July 2015, 11 am

For those who live in and around Askew Road, "this is the walk for you". Find out whether your road was "built on former brickfields", learn if "your house a laundry and where would you have bought your bread in 1900?"

• STAMFORD BROOK, Thursday 30 July 2015, 11 am
• ASKEW ROAD, Saturday 8 August 2015, 10 am
• WALK THE BOAT RACE, Tuesday 10 August 2015, 10 am

In this walk you will "keep your feet dry, though they might get a little muddy on the tow path, as you follow the course of the annual University race from Putney to Mortlake. On the river's banks you will pass a former furniture depository, tapestry factory and several breweries."

• EMBANKMENT GARDENS AND PALACES, Thursday 17 September 2015 10 am

This walk is "an easy stroll through the Embankment Gardens in Central London with its wealth of statues, as well as passing the site of three London palaces".

• HIGHGATE CEMETERY, Thursday 8 October 2015

How much do the walks cost?
The cost of the walks varies between £5 and £10, depending on their length.

Does Caroline do private tours?
She does indeed.  If you would like to take a custom walk with a group of friends, she is "very happy to do this on a day and time convenient for you".

Has Caroline written any books about the area?
She has! Her book "Wild about Hammersmith and Brook Green, A Tale of Two West London Villages" takes you on a "photographic trip through the borough - with an introduction, and historical captions".  To order the book from amazon, follow this link.

How can I contact Caroline directly?
You can email her at info@westlondonwalks.co.uk


The Bush Telegraph offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. Read about the Campaign to Save Hammersmith Park, find out about our new Farmer's Market, see what's on at The Bush Theatre, find out the latest news on the future of Shepherd's Bush Market, and the Council's plans to upgrade the Goldhawk Road and the Uxbridge Road. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog@gmail.com.